Stop eating your placenta, it can spread killer disease to babies, experts warn new mums
Loved by celebs like Kim K, eating the organ is thought to boost iron levels, mood and milk supply
IT'S a grizzly health trend loved by celebs like Kim K, Coleen Rooney and Chrissy Teigen.
But eating your placenta isn't such a great idea after all, experts are warning new mums.
They say that there's no evidence that the practice has any health benefits, and may, in fact, transfer deadly bacteria to babies - putting both mum and baby at risk.
Placenta eating - either raw, cooked or in pill form - is said to to boost iron levels, improve milk supply and reduce the risk of post-natal depression.
But the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) disagree.
It's scientists have been reviewing the evidence and have , saying: "Despite the growing trend...there is no documented evidence of benefit for improved iron stores, mood or lactation".
Group B streptococcus (GBS) - a bacterial infection commonly found in the vagina - was transferred to the baby via breast milk while the mum took placental capsules.
The SOGC isn't the first group to condemn placenta eating.
While it says that the panel believes it's "unlikely" that dried placental capsules would be the primary cause of GBS infection, it's still a possibility.
Group B strep infections are the leading cause of infection in newborn babies, and can trigger meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis.
"During pregnancy, the placenta regulates the transfer of substances between mother and baby. As such, the accumulation of potentially toxic substances can occur," she said.
“It’s a risk of harm with no evidence of benefit.”
And that also goes for "vaginal seeding" - which is where babies born by C-section have vaginal fluids rubbed on their faces and in their mouths.
Coleen Rooney said back in 2016 that taking placenta pills had "definitely" made her feel energised.
"I felt full of very positive energy and it helped with a number of pregnancy symptoms such as the producing of milk," the mum-of-four said at the time.
“I slept really well and they helped to stabilise my weight after having Kit.
“Everyone has a different reaction but in my case they were great. There are so many ways to do it now so research what’s best for you.”
Meanwhile, Khloe Kardashian revealed last year that she planned to turn her placenta into pills.
Sister Kim said back in December 2015 that eating her placenta had boosted her mood after giving birth to son Saint West."I really didn't want the baby blues and thought I can't go wrong with taking a pill made of my own hormones - made by me, for me," reports her as saying on her app.
"I had great results and felt so energised and didn't have any signs of depression.
"Every time I take a pill, I feel a surge of energy and feel really healthy and food."
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